A500.7.3.RB - Quantitative Research Reflection

The quantitative method is different from the qualitative method in that it seeks to ask ‘Why’ (Mamia). This means that the quantitative method is based on measured, and numerically expressed data or information. Basically, to me, the quantitative method revolved around data deriving from numbers and statistical evidence determined from a data matrix (Mamia). This type of research is best used to compare groups or ideas. Alternatively, it can only be used for measurable events or ideas.

It is important to plan your research when using the quantitative method. You need to make sure you have your topic selected and do some research about this topic (Mamia). Additionally, you need to select a theoretical approach as well as specify the problem on what you want to do your research. Finally, you will need to plan the empirical research process (Mamia).

You will need to select a sampling, or observation units (people). These should be a wide variety so that you can get a sample of a large group that could represent an entire population. This can be done successfully, for the most part, by random sampling to avoid any error (Mamia). To obtain the data, you can do surveys through email or the post, in addition to interviews (Mamia).

I can use this type of research method if I wanted to get more concrete data as opposed to using quotes. I feel that I would enjoy the process of qualitative research better because it is less likely to use numbers. I am not confident in my use of analyzing figures and numbers. I feel like I would be more successful using a qualitative method. I feel that a qualitative method is best suited for more scientific projects, or projects that use a great number of people to gain results.